Numerical comparison of flow over bumpy inflatable airfoils

Raymond P. LeBeau, Trey D. Gilliam, Andrew Schloemer, Daniel A. Reasor, Thomas Hauser, Todd A. Johansen

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

    16 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    The use of chambered inflatable airfoils generates a surface that is naturally bumpy, as the center of each chamber expands further in the center compared to its edges. We have been investigating the effects of this bumpiness on two different inflatable airfoils that have been successfully flown on unmanned aerial vehicles, one based on an Eppler 398 airfoil section and the other a NACA 4318. This study uses two-dimensional numerical simulations at relatively low Reynolds numbers (104-105). Based on these simulations, the bumpiness can have a considerable effect on the airfoil performance; however, the effects of the flow changes appear so far to depend significantly on the baseline airfoil shape. The paper compares the numerical performance of both airfoils over multiple angles of attack and Reynolds numbers against each other and the corresponding 'smooth' airfoil profiles.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publication47th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition
    PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
    ISBN (Print)9781563479694
    DOIs
    StatePublished - 2009

    Publication series

    Name47th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition

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